Blue

Born: August 4, 2016 (estimate based on day we rescued and vet estimation of age)

Health: Blue is FIV+

Temperament: Very sweet

Blue is our Ambassador for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.

Blue was rescued from a busy area of Paris Tennessee. When we first saw him in the Huddle House parking lot, he looked very sad and it was evident he had been homeless for quite some time. He was very bloated but also very skinny which was a clear indication of malnutrition. He had fleas, ear mites, and was unaltered. We happened to have canned food with us so fed him immediately.

We named him Blue for his piercing blue eyes and his sad expression when we saw him. Blue has settled in to sanctuary life and has become the big brother to our newest and most vulnerable rescues. He provides companionship and comfort until they feel safe and confident.

His first vet appointment revealed that he has the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

Here is some information on FIV from Cornell Feline Health Center (2018):

In infected cats, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) attacks the immune system, leaving the cat vulnerable to many other infections. Although cats infected with FIV may appear normal for years, they eventually suffer from this immune deficiency, which allows normally harmless bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi found in the everyday environment to potentially cause severe illnesses. The median survival time for a cat diagnosed with FIV is approximately five years.

The primary mode of transmission for FIV is through bite wounds. Casual, non-aggressive contact does not appear to be an efficient route of spreading the virus. As a result, cats in households with stable social structures where housemates do not fight are at little risk of acquiring FIV infections. On rare occasions infection is transmitted from an infected mother cat to her kittens, usually during passage through the birth canal or when the newborn kittens ingest infected milk. Sexual contact is not a major means of spreading FIV.

We are saddened Blue has FIV but are determined to keep him as happy, healthy, and safe as we can for the remainder of his life.

To move forward with a Virtual Adoption of Blue, click the donate button below and select Cat Virtual Adoption. In the optional note area, put Blue.